Friday, January 29, 2021

Book Review: Cruising the Mississippi by Al & Sunny Lockwood

 

Climb aboard with Al and Sunny Lockwood as these travel enthusiasts share their time Cruising the Mississippi

As you could tell from my First Chapter Review of this book, I planned to dive right in and read it until the end. Mostly narrated by Sunny, this travel memoir shares the couple's first river cruise adventure. Al offers his thoughts along the way with a style that perfectly complements his wife's. 

Two things drew me to this book: I had seen a real paddlewheeler cruising the Mississippi on vacation in 2014, and the book blurb talking about the interesting history they would encounter along the way. Driving on a bridge taller than I had ever seen scared the heck out of me, but once on the other side, the paddlewheeler fascinated me. And, as you know, I love American history.

Throughout the pages of Cruising the Mississippi, the reader is delighted to read of the Lockwoods' experiences on land and river: the delicious foods, the historical lectures, the entertainment, the shops, the historical landmarks, and even a little surprise that I won't spoil for you.

The Lockwoods have a keen eye for detail, which allows the reader to feel like she is experiencing the cruise right along with them. Photos of historical places, along with photos from the ship, give the reader a glimpse into the beauty they found along the way. 

While it is doubtful someone like me who suffers from aquaphobia would ever engage in such a trip, a cruise such as this one is highly tempting. 

If you enjoy travel memoirs or have an interest in American history, you'll want to read Cruising the Mississippi

ASIN : B07XVPTNGR

Publisher : Front Porch Publishing (October 1, 2019)

Publication date : October 1, 2019

Language : English

File size : 9275 KB

Print length : 188 pages

ISBN-10 : 1642370789

I received a digital copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

The Friday 56 - Jan 29






Rules:

  • Grab a book, any book.
  • Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
  • (If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
  • Find a snippet, short and sweet.
  • Post it and add the url to your post in the Linky on Freda's post. If you don't link up, we may not know to visit.
  • Also join in the fun on Instagram using the hashtags #Instagram56 #Friday56

Imagine my glee when I realized I didn't book myself into any reviews for the month of February. Tee-hee!!! So, I decide to open this short cozy up and get started.






Sarah Garland, a retired homicide detective who’s gone through a painful divorce, seems to have found her peace at last, as a coffeeshop owner, in the sleepy (and freezing) small town of Snow Falls, Alaska. What she didn’t expect, was for her past life to catch up with her. Or, for her new life as a mystery writer to inspire a deadly killer to target her.

Yet, when the killer leaves a frightening clue-a creepy snowman, donning a leather jacket and eating a peppermint candy cane, left in front of her cabin-Sarah begins to suspect Conrad Spencer, the new detective in town, who is pursuing a murderer of his own. Soon, it becomes obvious that the sleuths would have to join forces, in order to catch the killer.

Sarah and Conrad must put their tragic pasts behind them and find out who’s after her…before the trail becomes frozen.

"Oh, dear," Amanda said, terrified. Scrambling to her feet, she looked around, saw a broom, grabbed it and then hurried out into the snow to protect her friend. "I'll protect you!" she yelled at Sarah over the screaming wind, holding the broom in her hands like a baseball bat.

Monday, January 25, 2021

First Chapter Review: Cruising the Mississippi by Al & Sunny Lockwood


I was scheduled to review this book today, but my work schedule has been crazy. Look for my review on Friday. 


BLURB: In crossing another travel adventure off their bucket list, two retirees take a fascinating river cruise and find the heart and soul of the American South. 

Born travelers Al and Sunny Lockwood seized their dreams of exploring America's natural wonders. From hiking Sierra Nevada mountain trails to photographing wildflowers in Death Valley, they've documented their fascinating journeys to critical acclaim.

A serious car wreck changed their lives. They stopped postponing their dreams of ocean cruises.

Now, these veteran travelers embrace a new travel adventure: a river cruise up the magnificent Mississippi.

Join Al and Sunny on the decks of an antebellum paddle-wheel riverboat as they experience the culinary delights, rich architecture, breathtaking vistas, and famous hospitality of southern culture. You'll visit lavish plantation mansions, honor the fallen at Civil War memorials, and be swept away by the magical beat of authentic New Orleans jazz. Before the journey ends, you'll witness how the couple's first impressions are challenged, changing their hearts forever.

In Cruising the Mississippi, you'll discover:

-Fascinating histories of riverside cities
-Little-known facts about famous landmarks
-Personal reflections and insights from their daily experiences
-Tested travel tips and advice for embarking on your own river cruise adventure
-The lifelong benefits of immersing yourself in different customs and cultural experiences
-A detailed tour of the historic paddle-wheel riverboat, and much, much more! 

If you like cultural exploration, American history, practical travel insights, colorful characters, and authentic personal stories, you'll love Al and Sunny Lockwood's illuminating exploration of America's mightiest waterway.

Buy Cruising the Mississippi today and embark on a breathtaking adventure for the young at heart! 

COVER: Having crossed the Mississippi River by car and seeing a real paddleboat, I loved this cover. It depicts the setting of this story perfectly, and the American flag is a nice touch. 

FIRST CHAPTER: After a n engaging introduction by Sunny explaining how they wound up selecting their first river cruise, the first chapter by Al is about his anticipation of this new adventure. He includes a quote about desserts that I say often, so I had to chuckle. 

KEEP READING: Definitely! Both Al and Sunny have an easy, conversational style that draws the reader in. I also appreciated the photograph of the American Queen early on to set the stage for what was to come. I plan to dive in head first on this one this week. 

ASIN : B07XVPTNGR
Publisher : Front Porch Publishing (October 1, 2019)
Publication date : October 1, 2019
Language : English
File size : 9275 KB
Print length : 188 pages
ISBN-10 : 1642370789


This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.




It's Monday! What Are You Reading? & Mailbox Monday - Jan 25

Welcome to It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday.


 


It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.

OMG! What a weekend! I am exhausted. Work has been crazy. It sure doesn't help that is so cold I don't even want to walk the dog. Okay, maybe not that bad, but cold and windy is not my cup of tea. 

Here is what I managed for reading this week.

My reviews of these two appeared at my children's book blog.  




I am reading these right now. 




A first chapter review of Cruising the Mississippi will be posted here today.


My review of this book will appear at my children's book blog on Thursday. 




Next up are these two for virtual book tours. 





Next up will be this one. I might try to sneak it in between other books, but not sure if my schedule leaves a ton of time for reading. 









Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

My physical mailbox remained empty this week, unless you want to count the bills. I picked up this short one on Sunday because it was free. I added it to my 2021 Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge list.



This winter cozy mystery series can be read in one to two hours. It is perfect for those moments when you are waiting at an appointment or want to enjoy a quick read.

Sarah Garland, a retired homicide detective who’s gone through a painful divorce, seems to have found her peace at last, as a coffeeshop owner, in the sleepy (and freezing) small town of Snow Falls, Alaska. What she didn’t expect, was for her past life to catch up with her. Or, for her new life as a mystery writer to inspire a deadly killer to target her.

Yet, when the killer leaves a frightening clue-a creepy snowman, donning a leather jacket and eating a peppermint candy cane, left in front of her cabin-Sarah begins to suspect Conrad Spencer, the new detective in town, who is pursuing a murderer of his own.

Soon, it becomes obvious that the sleuths would have to join forces, in order to catch the killer. Sarah and Conrad must put their tragic pasts behind them and find out who’s after her…before the trail becomes frozen.

How has your reading schedule been lately? Is it cold where you are? What is your favorite part about winter?

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Books I Meant to Read In 2020 but Didn’t Get To



Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Oh, this is such a great topic. Of course, I am sure there are more than ten on my list. 












Are any of these books on your list? Did you read any of these? What did you think about them? 

Monday, January 18, 2021

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday - Jan 18

Welcome to It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday.


 


It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.

My, my how time flies. Here we are at Monday again. Hope you had a great weekend. I worked most of it and started to take down the Christmas decorations. I have to do it in phases since I have so much. Besides, I was late in getting the last two trees up, so I haven't wanted to take them down. Maybe I will put together a Valentine's Day or a Spring tree. 

I had a nice announcement to make this weekend, too. I was named Best Book Editor in this annual poll. The second edition of A Christmas Kindness came in second place in the Best Children's Book category as well. Little chuckle because they spelled my name wrong on the Best Book Editor award. 





When it comes to reading, I am happy with how January is starting out. My review of this coloring book/gratitude journal will appear at my children's book blog on Wednesday. 

I am also reading these two. 





Next are these other books for virtual book tours. 








Did you see I snuck this new one onto the list? So much for not requesting more books to review for virtual book tours. LOL! 


Next up will be this one, but not sure what I will read after that. Of course, it's probably going to be one of the two new books that arrived. 









Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.


I am trying to be really good about not ordering or requesting new books, but it is so, so hard. My physical mailbox had two new treats last week.



Israel: A drone-based terrorist attack kills dozens on a sun-splashed beach in Caesarea.

Washington: America awakens to the shattering news that Vice President Stephanie Davenport has died of an apparent heart attack.

That same morning, a chance encounter on the Washington Metro results in international private investigator Robert Brixton thwarting an attempted terrorist bombing. Brixton has no reason to suspect that the three incidents have anything in common, until he's contacted by Kendra Rendine, the Secret Service agent who headed up the vice president's security detail. Rendine is convinced the vice president was murdered and needs Brixton's investigative expertise to find out why.

In Israel, meanwhile, legendary anti-terrorist fighter Lia Ganz launches her own crusade against the perpetrators of that attack which nearly claimed the lives of her and granddaughter. Ganz's trail will ultimately take her to Washington where she joins forces with Brixton to uncover an impossible link between the deadly attack on Caesarea and the attempted Metro bombing, as well as the death of the vice president.

The connection lies in the highest corridors of power in Washington where a deadly plot with unimaginable consequences has been hatched. With the clock ticking toward doomsday, Brixton and Ganz race against time to save millions of American lives who will otherwise become collateral damage to a conspiracy destined to change the United States forever.



The morning of January 12, 1888, was unusually mild, following a long cold spell, warm enough for the homesteaders of the Dakota territory to venture out again, and for their children to return to school without their heavy coats--leaving them unprepared when disaster struck. At just the hour when most prairie schools were letting out for the day, a terrifying, fast-moving blizzard struck without warning. Schoolteachers as young as sixteen were suddenly faced with life and death decisions: keep the children inside, to risk freezing to death when fuel ran out, or send them home, praying they wouldn't get lost in the storm?

Based on actual oral histories of survivors, the novel follows the stories of Raina and Gerda Olsen, two sisters, both schoolteachers--one who becomes a hero of the storm, and one who finds herself ostracized in the aftermath. It's also the story of Anette Pedersen, a servant girl whose miraculous survival serves as a turning point in her life and touches the heart of Gavin Woodson, a newspaperman seeking redemption. It is Woodson and others like him who wrote the embellished news stories that lured immigrants across the sea to settle a pitiless land. Boosters needed immigrants to settle territories into states, and they didn't care what lies they told them to get them there--or whose land it originally was.

At its heart, this is a story of courage, of children forced to grow up too soon, tied to the land because of their parents' choices. It is a story of love taking root in the hard prairie ground, and of families being torn asunder by a ferocious storm that is little remembered today--because so many of its victims were immigrants to this country.

I cannot wait to dive into these novels. Margaret Truman was one of my favorite authors when I was in my early twenties. I'm familiar with the story of the Children's Blizzard and I enjoy Melanie Benjamin's work, so I have high hopes for this novel.

I'm really glad that I decided to focus on only two blogs this year. While I miss my mom blog, I am glad not to have to worry about content for that site on top of this blog and my children's book blog. I might go back to all my other blogs one day when my schedule is less hectic, but it's not practical right now.

How many blogs do you have? Have you read any of the books I featured this week? What book are you looking forward to reading next?

Friday, January 15, 2021

The Friday 56 - Jan 15


Maybe this meme is a once a month experience for me. :) The last time I participated was December 18. 





Rules:

  • Grab a book, any book.
  • Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
  • (If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
  • Find a snippet, short and sweet.
  • Post it and add the url to your post in the Linky on Freda's post. If you don't link up, we may not know to visit.
  • Also join in the fun on Instagram using the hashtags #Instagram56 #Friday56


If you love travel, beauty, history, fabulous food, and genuine old-fashioned fun, you’ll love this amazing paddle wheel adventure along the mighty Mississippi River.

From a vibrant New Orleans’ Jazz concert at famous Preservation Hall, to the largest plantation mansion on the Mississippi (Nottoway Plantation), to eye-opening Civil War battlegrounds, this lively travel memoir brings American history and Southern culture to life.

The paddlewheeler itself is an enchanting antebellum masterpiece. Period furnishings. Tiffany lamps. An authentic steam calliope. And a huge front porch with comfy rocking chairs where you can relax and enjoy the natural wonder of America’s greatest waterway.

Riverside cities offer their own unique attractions, steeped in history and plantation grandeur.

In this warm and personal travel memoir you’ll learn things about America you never knew before.

When we walked into the Front Porch Cafe, aglow with late-afternoon sun and fragrant with fresh-baked cookies, I knew we'd arrived in paradise. 

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Top 5 Tuesday - Top 5 Anticipated Books of 2021in Genres I Don't Usually Read

 



Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme that explores different topics. Originally created by Shanah at Bionic Book Worm, it is now hosted by Meeghan at Meeghan Reads. For a list of January topics you can click here. To participate, link your post back to the weekly post.


I put together a version of this for Top Ten Tuesday last week, so I am going to choose five book releases in 2021 in genres I don't usually read. 


Top 5 Anticipated Books of 2021
in Genres I Don't Usually Read






Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs.

But on the day of the ceremony, her blood runs gold, the color of impurity--and Deka knows she will face a consequence worse than death.

Then a mysterious woman comes to her with a choice: stay in the village and submit to her fate, or leave to fight for the emperor in an army of girls just like her. They are called alaki--near-immortals with rare gifts. And they are the only ones who can stop the empire's greatest threat.

Knowing the dangers that lie ahead yet yearning for acceptance, Deka decides to leave the only life she's ever known. But as she journeys to the capital to train for the biggest battle of her life, she will discover that the great walled city holds many surprises. Nothing and no one are quite what they seem to be--not even Deka herself.

My thoughts: This is not a me book at all, but I am so drawn to this cover and the strong young person Deka will be in this story that I want to read it.




It's been five years since Wendy and her two brothers went missing in the woods, but when the town’s children start to disappear, the questions surrounding her brothers’ mysterious circumstances are brought back into light. Attempting to flee her past, Wendy almost runs over an unconscious boy lying in the middle of the road, and gets pulled into the mystery haunting the town.

Peter, a boy she thought lived only in her stories, claims that if they don't do something, the missing children will meet the same fate as her brothers. In order to find them and rescue the missing kids, Wendy must confront what's waiting for her in the woods.

My thoughts: Cinder made me realize I could like unique retellings of fairytales, so I am drawn to Lost in the Never Woods. Though I have to admit I was late in enjoying Peter Pan and Wendy's original story. 





Emma loves her life. She’s the mother of a precocious kindergartener, married to her soulmate—a loyal and loving police detective—and has a rewarding career as a doctor at the local hospital.
But everything comes crashing down when her son, Josh, is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

Determined to save him, Emma makes the risky decision to sell opioids to fund the life-saving treatment he needs. But when somebody ends up dead, a lethal game of cat and mouse ensues, her own husband leading the chase. With her son’s life hanging in the balance, Emma is dragged into the dark world of drugs, lies, and murder. Will the truth catch up to her before she can save Josh?

My thoughts: I don't do cancer stories. I don't do parents trying to save their kids stories, because they usually involve depressing topics. There is really no reason I would want to read this one, but it shows a character pushed to her limits, so I find it appealing.




Seventeen-year-old Iris Hollow has always been strange. Something happened to her and her two older sisters when they were children, something they can’t quite remember but that left each of them with an identical half-moon scar at the base of their throats.

Iris has spent most of her teenage years trying to avoid the weirdness that sticks to her like tar. But when her eldest sister, Grey, goes missing under suspicious circumstances, Iris learns just how weird her life can get: horned men start shadowing her, a corpse falls out of her sister’s ceiling, and ugly, impossible memories start to twist their way to the forefront of her mind.

As Iris retraces Grey’s last known footsteps and follows the increasingly bizarre trail of breadcrumbs she left behind, it becomes apparent that the only way to save her sister is to decipher the mystery of what happened to them as children.

The closer Iris gets to the truth, the closer she comes to understanding that the answer is dark and dangerous – and that Grey has been keeping a terrible secret from her for years.

My thoughts: This one seems a bit too creepy for me, and I don't do evil well, but this one is intriguing.




In this stirring, reflective collection of short stories, Joyce Carol Oates ponders alternate destinies: the other lives we might have led if we’d made different choices. An accomplished writer returns to her childhood home of Yewville, but the homecoming stirs troubled thoughts about the person she might have been if she’d never left. A man in prison contemplates the gravity of his irreversible act. A student’s affair with a professor results in a pregnancy that alters the course of her life forever. Even the experience of reading is investigated as one that can create a profound transformation: “You could enter another time, the time of the book.”

The (Other) You is an arresting and incisive vision into these alternative realities, a collection that ponders the constraints we all face given the circumstances of our birth and our temperaments, and that examines the competing pressures and expectations on women in particular. Finely attuned to the nuances of our social and psychic selves, Joyce Carol Oates demonstrates here why she remains one of our most celebrated and relevant literary figures.

My thoughts: I am not a huge short story fan. I can't write them. I rarely read them. Alternate destinies, however, are an interesting concept. 


What do you think of this list? Do we share any books this week?

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Resolutions/Hopes for 2021 (Bookish or Not!)



Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

As I mentioned last week, Top 5 Tuesday would help me with this week's Top Ten Tuesday topic. I shared the following Top 5 Bookish Resolutions last Tuesday:
  • Complete this year's Goodreads Reading Challenge (40 books)
  • Reduce the number of virtual book tours I participate in (fingers crossed)
  • Write two First Chapter Reviews a month (love these)
  • Purge my TBR pile (it's time)
  • Read more nonfiction this year (writing craft and business books here I come)
To these 5, I am going to add 5 Non-Bookish Resolutions. 


Increase my sales volume by 50% - This is the first year I feel it is attainable. Last year's sales increase was 24% over 2019. I am more committed to real estate than I have ever been; the housing market is strong; and my role in the local real estate industry is increasing. I've been making changes to how I do things and am looking at starting a team. That last item will take a ton of planning, so it might be a 2022 agenda item.

Increase my editing volume - In addition to editing two manuscripts for my publisher, I edited several manuscripts for other authors. I'm good at it. I am working on one now, too. Though the projects need to be on the smaller side considering my other commitments, I would enjoy working on one a month. My eventual goal is to start my own publishing company.

Exercise twice a week - I still hate exercising, but I really need to do it. If I start small, I might be able to increase from two to three days a week. 

Engage in better self-care - We moms take care of everyone and put ourselves last. I've got too much to do and to many dreams to follow not to take care of myself. 

Choose one writing project to finish - I am working on two. I'm sure both won't be finished this year. I'm thinking it's a middle grade novel that will get my attention. I want to decide by the end of January.